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Create Your RealityTue, 11 Dec 2018 00:14:22 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9Turmeric’s Healing Roots (Science and Beyond)https://pronoiainstitute.org/uncategorized/turmerics-healing-roots/
https://pronoiainstitute.org/uncategorized/turmerics-healing-roots/#respondTue, 11 Dec 2018 00:14:22 +0000https://pronoiainstitute.org/?p=4589Turmeric’s Healing Roots By Joshua Avritt, MS According to a 2012 survey put out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 23 to 25 million people in the U.S. suffer from pain on a regular basis [1]. Additionally, chronic diseases such as depression, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and stomach conditions are all […]

According to a 2012 survey put out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 23 to 25 million people in the U.S. suffer from pain on a regular basis [1]. Additionally, chronic diseases such as depression, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and stomach conditions are all on the rise [2]. Interestingly, virtually all of these health conditions stem from the same root problem: inflammation. Now inflammation is an important part of our immune system. It is needed to fight off infections, heal wounds, repair cellular damage, and grow tissues. However, if inflammation tips out of balance due to many various factors (e.g. toxic eating habits, environmental toxins, chronic stress, unresolved emotional/psychological trauma, lack of antioxidants, etc.), then we increase the risk of developing one or many of these chronic diseases. Western medicine will routinely treat these imbalances with multiple drugs that often come with black box warnings and/or debilitating side effects. On the other hand, turmeric is a 4,000+ year-old powerhouse herb that is extremely safe and effective for treatment of pain, helps reduce inflammation at the cause, has virtually no known side effects, and aids to bring the immune system back into healthy balance.

What does the science say?

Scientific studies have shown that turmeric is just as effective or more effective than ALL of the following medical drugs:

More effective than ibuprofen for treating arthritic pain and inflammation [3]

Better than Prozac for treating major depressive disorder [4, 5]

As effective as atorvastatin for lowering cholesterol [6]

Better than corticosteroids for reducing inflammation [7-9]

Better than aspirin [10] and other NSAIDs for treating pain and inflammation [11]

Nowadays, turmeric is widely available in many forms. The majority of these supplement forms are as a “curcumin extract”, which is just one of the many active ingredients in turmeric and the most widely studied one. Nonetheless, each of the ingredients in turmeric has a synergistic effect, meaning that when taken together they are better absorbed and more powerful. This is why research has shown that taking the whole turmeric root is better than just curcumin alone [15, 16]. However, taken on its own, turmeric is not easily absorbed [17], but the ingestion of black pepper or black pepper extract (piperine) has been shown to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of curcumin by up to 20 times [18-20]. Curcumin has been shown to be safe even at high levels, up to 8 g/day, with no short-term toxic effects [21]. A safe starting dose for turmeric (combined with black pepper) is 1,500mg per day in capsule form, and you can increase your dose from there as needed (1,500-3,000mg as a single dose replacement for acute pain). I also recommend adding turmeric to your daily meals. It is a wonderful addition to curries, soups, stir-frys, and even in smoothies, and it can be a powerful supplemental tonic herb to an antioxidant and nutrient-rich diet.

Be sure to discuss this food-based treatment with your physician before starting any regiment.

A great turmeric supplement I take every day (no personal affiliation whatsoever):

]]>https://pronoiainstitute.org/uncategorized/turmerics-healing-roots/feed/0The Strongest Predictor for a Happy and Healthy Lifehttps://pronoiainstitute.org/relationships/the-strongest-predictor-for-a-happy-and-healthy-life/
https://pronoiainstitute.org/relationships/the-strongest-predictor-for-a-happy-and-healthy-life/#respondSat, 27 Oct 2018 23:25:36 +0000https://pronoiainstitute.org/?p=4499For over 75 years, this famous study has tracked the lives of 724 men. This was the strongest predictor they found for a happy and healthy life. What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it’s fame and money, you’re not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, […]

]]>For over 75 years, this famous study has tracked the lives of 724 men. This was the strongest predictor they found for a happy and healthy life.

What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it’s fame and money, you’re not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, you’re mistaken. As the director of a 75-year-old study on adult development, Waldinger has unprecedented access to data on true happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life.

Robert Waldinger · Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, Zen priest

Robert Waldinger is the Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies in history.

]]>https://pronoiainstitute.org/relationships/the-strongest-predictor-for-a-happy-and-healthy-life/feed/0Preparing for Flu Season…Naturally!https://pronoiainstitute.org/uncategorized/preparing-for-flu-season-naturally/
https://pronoiainstitute.org/uncategorized/preparing-for-flu-season-naturally/#respondMon, 08 Oct 2018 16:14:42 +0000https://pronoiainstitute.org/?p=4470Flu Vaccine Effectiveness How effective is the flu vaccine, and will getting vaccinated reduce the severity of your illness even if the vaccine is a poor match to circulating influenza virus strains? While public health officials insist vaccination is the best way to prevent the seasonal flu, the evidence calls this assumption into question, and most […]

How effective is the flu vaccine, and will getting vaccinated reduce the severity of your illness even if the vaccine is a poor match to circulating influenza virus strains? While public health officials insist vaccination is the best way to prevent the seasonal flu, the evidence calls this assumption into question, and most health care professionals won’t even get the flu shot if it’s voluntary.1

In its 2014 meta-analysis2 of the available research on inactivated influenza vaccines, the Cochrane Collaboration (which is considered by many as the gold-standard for scientific meta-reviews), reviewed evidence related to influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) that people experience during flu seasons and stated:

“Over 200 viruses cause ILI, which produces the same symptoms (fever, headache, aches, pains, cough and runny nose) as influenza. Without laboratory tests, doctors cannot distinguish between ILI and influenza because both last for days and rarely cause serious illness or death.

The types of virus contained in influenza vaccines are usually those that are expected to circulate in the following influenza seasons, according to recommendations of the World Health Organization (seasonal vaccine).”

The Cochrane researchers concluded that:

“Injected influenza vaccines probably have a small protective effect against influenza and ILI (moderate-certainty evidence), as 71 people would need to be vaccinated to avoid one influenza case, and 29 would need to be vaccinated to avoid one case of ILI. Vaccination may have little or no appreciable effect on hospitalizations (low-certainty evidence) or number of working days lost.”

If 71 people have to be vaccinated in order for a single case of influenza to be avoided, this means that flu shots have a rather abysmal effectiveness rating. And it isn’t surprising that flu shots have “little or no appreciable effect on hospitalizations or number of working days lost,” considering its ineffectiveness at preventing illness. Similarly, while many assert that getting vaccinated will render flu symptoms less severe — should it fail to protect you after all — there’s really no good evidence for this either.

Interim Estimates of Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Are In

On February 16, the CDC published interim estimates of the 2017/2018 seasonal influenza vaccine’s effectiveness for the U.S.3 Based on data from 4,562 children and adults enrolled in the U.S. Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network between November 2, 2017 and February 3, 2018, the CDC reports the overall adjusted vaccine effectiveness against “influenza A and influenza B virus infection associated with medically attended acute respiratory illness” was 36 percent. More precisely, vaccine effectiveness is estimated to be:

So what other natural and alternative options do we have for preventing and treating the flu?

Optimizing Vitamin D Effective During Flu Season

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the excellent track record of vitamin D for preventing respiratory infections. Most recently, a 2017 scientific review5,6 of 25 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin D supplementation cuts rates of acute respiratory infections among all participants.

The studies included nearly 11,000 individuals from more than a dozen countries, and showed that people who regularly took vitamin D supplements were less likely to contract acute respiratory tract infections compared to those who did not take supplemental vitamin D. Those with blood levels below 10 ng/mL, which is a serious deficiency state, cut their risk of infection by half.

People with higher vitamin D levels reduced their risk by about 10 percent. According to this international research team, vitamin D supplementation could prevent more than 3.25 million cases of cold and flu each year in the U.K. alone.7 Another statistic showing vitamin D is a very effective strategy in preventing respiratory illness during the flu season is the NNT.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Cochrane Collaboration concluded in 2014 that the NNT for the flu vaccine is 71. In this 2017 respiratory infection study, the NNT for vitamin D was 33, meaning one person would be spared from acute respiratory infection for every 33 people taking a vitamin D supplement.

Among those with severe vitamin D deficiency at baseline, the NNT was 4. If you’re going to gamble, which odds would you rather have — a 1 in 71 chance of being protected against respiratory infection, or a 1 in 33 chance (or 1 in 4 should you be severely vitamin D deficient)? In my view, optimizing your vitamin D levels is one of the absolute best respiratory illness prevention and optimal health strategies available.

Here is a great vegan vitamin D supplement to take on a daily basis, especially during the winter months when getting optimal sun in the middle of the day can be challenging.

Tamiflu or Quercetin?

Should you or your child get sick and a doctor or pediatrician recommends Tamiflu,8 please understand that this antiviral drug shortens the duration of flu symptoms by less than 17 hours.9,10 It also does not reduce viral transmission and does not lower your risk of complications, such as pneumonia.11,12

Some scientists have also warned that Tamiflu’s serious risks outweigh the benefits.13 These risks include convulsions, brain infections, psychosis and other neuropsychiatric problems.14,15 The drug is particularly risky for children, and more than half of all children taking Tamiflu suffer side effects from the drug.16,17

Considering Tamiflu’s risks and limited effectiveness, quercetin is safe and effective. Quercetin, a plant flavonol found naturally in apples, plums, red grapes, green tea, elder flower and onions, packs a powerful antiviral punch.18 Some of its mechanisms of action include inhibiting the ability of viruses to infect cells and inhibiting replication of already infected cells. A number of studies have confirmed quercetin’s effectiveness against viral infections, including the following:

A 2010 animal study found that quercetin inhibits both influenza A and B viruses. Two other important discoveries were made. Firstly, the viruses were unable to develop resistance to quercetin and, secondly, when used concomitant with antiviral drugs (amantadine or oseltamivir), the effect was significantly amplified — and it prevented drug resistance from developing.20

A 2004 animal study investigating quercetin’s effect on influenza used a strain of the H3N2 virus. According to the authors:21

“In the mice, instillation of influenza virus A/Udorn/317/72(H3N2) intranasally resulted in a significant decrease in the pulmonary concentrations of catalase, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase … These effects were observed on the 5th day after viral instillation.

Oral supplementation with quercetin simultaneous with viral instillation produced significant increases in the pulmonary concentrations of catalase, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase …

It is concluded that during influenza virus infection, there is ‘oxidative stress.’ Because quercetin restored the concentrations of many antioxidants, it is proposed that it may be useful as a drug in protecting the lung from the deleterious effects of oxygen derived free radicals released during influenza virus infection.”

In 2014, researchers noted that quercetin appears to be “a promising treatment for the common cold,” caused by the rhinovirus, adding that “Quercetin has been shown to reduce viral internalization and replication in vitro, and viral load, lung inflammation and airways hyper-responsiveness in vivo.”22

By attenuating oxidative damage, it also lowers your risk of secondary bacterial infections, which is actually the primary cause of influenza-related deaths. Importantly, quercetin increases mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle, which suggests part of its antiviral effects are due to enhanced mitochondrial antiviral signaling.

A 2016 study found quercetin offered protection against influenza A virus H1N1 by modulating protein expression. More specifically, the regulation of heat shock proteins, fibronectin 1 and prohibitin was instrumental in reducing viral replication.23

A second study published in 2016 found quercetin inhibited a wide spectrum of influenza strains, including H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1. According to the authors, “This study indicates that quercetin showing inhibitory activity in the early stage of influenza infection provides a future therapeutic option to develop effective, safe and affordable natural products for the treatment and prophylaxis of [influenza A viruses] infections.”24

Prevention of Respiratory Infections Shouldn’t Be so Risky

This video highlights how adding in even just 1 serving of fruits or vegetables a day can dramatically increase our immune function and how certain plant foods, especially cruciferous veggies, are immune system powerhouses:

Aside from vitamin D and quercetin, maintaining good levels of vitamins B1 and C may go a long way toward keeping you healthy through the flu season and beyond. Influenza has also been treated with high-dose vitamin C,26 and vitamin C also boosts the effectiveness of quercetin. Taking zinc lozenges at the first sign of respiratory illness can also be helpful.

]]>https://pronoiainstitute.org/uncategorized/preparing-for-flu-season-naturally/feed/0Natural Eco-Friendly Cleaners: How to Make and What to Buyhttps://pronoiainstitute.org/self-care/natural-eco-friendly-cleaners-how-to-make-and-what-to-buy/
https://pronoiainstitute.org/self-care/natural-eco-friendly-cleaners-how-to-make-and-what-to-buy/#respondWed, 03 Oct 2018 18:30:35 +0000https://pronoiainstitute.org/?p=4452What’s Inside This Article: Non-toxic cleaning recipes that really work (ALL PURPOSE CLEANING, DISHES, LAUNDRY, GLASS/MIRRORS, TOILETS, and GRANITE COUNTERTOPS), plus what to buy when you don’t want to DIY. Let’s play a game. You choose any cleaning product on the shelf at your local market and state what’s in it. Easy, right? All you […]

]]>What’s Inside This Article: Non-toxic cleaning recipes that really work (ALL PURPOSE CLEANING, DISHES, LAUNDRY, GLASS/MIRRORS, TOILETS, and GRANITE COUNTERTOPS), plus what to buy when you don’t want to DIY.

Let’s play a game. You choose any cleaning product on the shelf at your local market and state what’s in it. Easy, right? All you need to do is read the label. There’s only one problem – ingredients are not required to be listed unless they’re already known to be harmful, and pretty much no one’s checking to find out if they are.

The government only requires companies to list ‘chemicals of known concern’ on their labels. The key word here is ‘known’,” consumer advocate Sloan Barnett told Scientific American. “The fact is that the government has no idea whether most of the chemicals used in everyday cleaning products are safe because it doesn’t test them, and it doesn’t require manufacturers to test them either.”

Here’s What We Do Know

A study done by the EPA found that about 85% of chemicals approved don’t come with any safety data. (Alderton et. al.) However, when evaluated by independent third parties, many of the cleaners on the grocery store shelves are found to contain neurotoxins, endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens. (EWG) That’s not good for us our our environment, which is why there’s been so much demand for safer options lately.

Problem is, just because something has a green leaf or a recycle logo slapped on it does not mean it’s truly safe.

Natural Cleaners: How To Make And What To Buy

Below are some great recipes for cleaning, plus some of the best store-bought options around. As you’ll see, there are several brands represented because each product is chosen based on ingredients and not the manufacturer. Some of these companies include problematic ingredients in other products, so make sure to read the label before popping them in your cart.

All-Purpose Cleaners

These cleaners work great on kitchen counters, the dinner table, the bathroom counters, and for dusting.

How To Make:

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner With Lemon & Lavender

The bright, fresh scent of this all-purpose cleaner is perfect for everyday use and spring cleaning. It’s super easy to make, too. This recipe will make one 16 ounce bottle or two 8 ounce bottles of spray cleaner.

INGREDIENTS

TO MAKE

Add essential oils and vinegar to a glass spray bottle and shake well. Add water and shake again.

TO USE

Shake before using, then spray on surface and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

PACKAGING SUGGESTIONS

Dark amber or cobalt blue glass spray bottles are ideal because they filter out UV light, which can damage essential oils.

DIY Citrus Splash All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

Mood lifting, stress-busting citrus essential oils are the superstars of this formula, but the cheap- yet-effective white vinegar is a close second. Why? Because contrary to what chemical companies might like you to believe, humble vinegar has been proven to be effective against a variety of bacteria, viruses and mold, including E. coli and the flu virus.

To Use: Shake before using, then spray on surface and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Storage: Store away from heat and sunlight.

What To Buy:

Meliora All-Purpose Cleaner – This company uses the absolute purest ingredients. When you buy the glass spray bottle found here it comes pre-loaded with one batch of powder, so all you have to do is add warm water and shake until dissolved. You can order 18 refills on the same page for the cost of about $0.71 per 16 ounce bottle including shipping.

Dishes

How To Make:

If you’ve ever tried making homemade dishwasher detergent and been disappointed with the results, chances are you were closer to a great recipe than you thought. Most DIY formulas use the same basic ingredients, but there’s a trick to getting them to work.

What makes a good dishwasher detergent recipe?

Most commercial detergents use at least 50% washing soda in their formulas, with the remaining ingredients usually being water softeners and rinse aids.

Unfortunately, the extra ingredients in most popular detergents – this one, for example – get an “F” from the EWG for things like developmental and reproductive toxicity, respiratory concerns, environmental toxicity and carcinogenicity. That’s not a problem that goes away when our dishwater flows back to the municipal treatment plant – many of these chemicals are not filtered out when the water is processed and sent back into our homes.

The reason companies use these chemicals is because they’re not acidic like most natural rinse aids and therefore won’t neutralize the washing soda. However, there’s another way to use washing soda without giving up a natural rinse aid, and that’s to introduce your cleanser and rinse aid during different points of the wash cycle so they don’t cancel each other out.

This detergent recipe calls for pure washing soda as the primary cleansing agent, which should be followed by one or both of the rinse aids.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

This is the recipe I use regularly because it’s simple and – more importantly – it works.

Combine ingredients and stir until there are no clumps. Pour into a jar, add clay pouch if desired, and seal tightly with a lid.

To Use

Use about 2 tablespoons per load. See instructions on the next two pages for information on using this formula with a homemade rinse aid.

Troubleshooting

My dishwasher detergent is clumping. Help! – Add two tablespoons of bentonite clay in a pouch or small sock. This prevents the dishwasher detergent from clumping in high humidity areas. It’s placed in a pouch because it’s not meant to mix with the formula, just absorb excess moisture. However, it’s very rarely necessary. I never use the clay in my home and I have no issues with clumping.

I tried the homemade dishwasher detergent and I’m still experiencing hard water deposits. What do I do? – Instead of 4 cups washing soda, use just 2 cups washing soda and add in 2 cups powdered oxygen bleach that contains no fillers – you can buy this brand on Amazon. It says it’s 99% pure oxygen bleach (Sodium Percarbonate), but it’s totally pure, non-toxic sodium percarbonate with nothing added. The other 1% is moisture.

Homemade Natural Dishwasher Rinse Aid

Hard water deposits and sediment are no problem for this natural homemade dishwasher rinse aid. It’s easy to make, too – you only need ONE ingredient!

Preparing Your Dishwasher

Before using the citrus shine rinse aid for the first time it’s important to clear away deposits from your dishwasher. Otherwise, the citric acid will loosen them and they will redeposit on your dishes.

To prepare your dishwasher, place 1⁄4- 1⁄2 cup citric acid in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and start a cycle. Allow to run for 3-5 minutes and then turn the dishwasher off. Let the water/citric acid solution soak for 3-4 hours and then allow the cycle to resume.

Combine citric acid and essential oils and stir until there are no clumps. Pour into a jar and seal tightly with a lid.

To Use

If your dishwasher has a pre-rinse and main wash receptacle but not a rinse receptacle, place 1 tablespoon rinse aid in the main wash receptacle and place your detergent in the pre-wash receptacle. This ensures that the Citrus Shine Rinse Aid does not interfere with the cleaning power of your detergent, but instead activates after your dishes are clean to remove sediment/ hard water deposits.

If deposits remain, increase the amount used to 2 tablespoons and/or add the liquid rinse aid if recommended by your manufacturer.

Storage

Store in a dry place.

Troubleshooting

If you have very hard water, you may want to consider preventing future buildup by putting 1⁄4 cup citric through a wash cycle (while the dishwasher is empty) once-per-month.

If your rinse aid becomes clumpy, add two tablespoons of bentonite clay in a pouch or small sock. This prevents the citric acid from clumping in high humidity areas. It’s placed in a pouch because it’s not meant to mix with the citric, just absorb excess moisture. However, it’s very rarely necessary. I never use a clay pouch in the jar I keep next to my sink and I have no issues with clumping.

What To Buy:

Eco-Me Lemon Fresh Dish Soap – Not all homemade dish cleaners seem seem to produce consistent results due to regional variations in water types (hard water, soft water, pH, etc.) The Eco-Me liquid soap gets an A from the Environmental Working Group and works well on greasy pans and dishes.

Better Life Dishwasher Gel – When I set out to find a store-bought alternative to my homemade dishwasher detergent, I thought for sure the best option would be another powdered detergent. Turns out, though, that this liquid gel is one of the highest rated for both safety and performance.

Eco-Me Rinse Aid – This rinse aid is made with just four ingredients – vinegar, citric acid, coconut-derived soap and plant-derived solubilizer – the soap and stabilizer both score a “1” with the Environmental Working Group, which is the safest rating possible.

Ecover Rinse Aid – A lot of rinse aids get an “F” from the Environmental Working Group due to the use of toxic ingredients and not disclosing the full ingredient list. Ecover, on the other hand, earns an A.

TO MAKE:

Cut soap into small chunks. Add to the food processor along with the washing soda.

Blend until you have a fine powder. You may want to lay a dish towel over the top of your food processor to prevent a fine mist of powder from floating into the air. Also, let it settle a bit before opening the container or the powder will float onto your kitchen counter!

Pour into a clean container (keep the essential oil next to the jar and add 5 drops with each load)

TO USE:

These instructions are for a top loader. I don’t have any experience with front loaders, sorry!

Add 2-3 tablespoons laundry detergent per load ( If you are washing in cold water, dissolve it in hot water before adding it in. I prefer to start each load with a little hot water to dissolve and then put my laundry in)

If desired, add about five drops of lemon essential oil as a degreaser

Add 1/2 cup vinegar to a Downy ball or the fabric softener compartment

For extra fabric softening goodness and a shorter drying time, toss some wool dryer balls in the dryer with your clothes.

IS THIS HE SAFE?

This soap is low-sudsing, so theoretically it should be fine for HE washers. A very similar recipe found on the Kirk’s Castile Soap website is said to be safe and offers the following information and tips:

“This powered recipe is great for High Efficiency washers because it is very low sudsing.

It is important that you grate the bar soap very finely for HE washers.”[i]

Special notes:

As with other detergents, it is recommended that you cut the amount used in half for HE machines.

IS THIS SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFE?

Yes, all of the ingredients in this recipe are considered septic system safe.

Homemade Bleach Alternative Recipe

If finding a homemade bleach alternative that WORKS feels a little like hunting for a mythical laundry unicorn, we think you’ll like this simple recipe.

Why avoid bleach?

Here’s the deal: As mentioned in this article from certified Building Biology practitioner Andrea Fabry, a study conducted at the University of Leuven in Belgium – which included 9,000 children – concluded that:

“Passive exposure to cleaning bleach in the home may have adverse effects on school-age children’s health by increasing the risk of respiratory and other infections. The high frequency of use of disinfecting irritant cleaning products may be of public health concern, also when exposure occurs during childhood.”

The bottom line is this: There are a number of reasons to be concerned about the use of bleach, both in how it affects individuals and the environment. In contrast, the recipe I’m sharing with you contains only three simple ingredients:

hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down into plain water after the extra oxygen atom is released

washing soda, which breaks down into soda ash

lemon essential oil

INGREDIENTS/EQUIPMENT

HOW TO MAKE

Add essential oil to washing soda and stir thoroughly until the drops are well distributed. Add washing soda/lemon oil to hot water and stir until the washing soda is completely dissolved. In a separate container, measure out 1-2 cups hydrogen peroxide.

HOW TO USE

I prefer to use this bleach alternative in concentrated form, so I pour the hot washing soda mixture into a large bucket (3-5 gallons), then add 28 cups room temperature water and 1-2 cups of hydrogen peroxide. I place my laundry in the bucket and soak overnight, then wash as normal. If needed, I repeat the process – old, set-in stains sometimes need more time to loosen up.

For a less concentrated form, you could add the washing soda mixture to your washing machine and select the “small” setting for your load size. Cool/room temperature water is best, because heat degrades the hydrogen peroxide. When the cool water has mixed with the hot water, add in the hydrogen peroxide. Place clothes in the washing machine and allow to soak before washing as usual – overnight is best.

Storage

Because minerals found in water can accelerate the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, we recommend making up batches as needed so that the hydrogen peroxide is as strong as possible.

About Wool Dryer Balls

They reduce drying time, soften clothes without chemicals, and save money.

Benefits Of Wool Dryer Balls

SAVES TIME AND MONEY

SOFTENS AND FLUFFS WITHOUT TOXIC CHEMICALS

As I wrote about here, “when several top laundry products/ air fresheners were tested they were found to contain at least one chemical labeled as toxic or hazardous by federal law, including the active ingredient in paint thinner.” (source)

Interestingly, none of the chemicals were listed on the label, and five of the six products emitted chemicals which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level.”

Dryer balls soften clothes naturally as the felted wool gently rubs against garment fibers, and they fluff by separating clothes that would otherwise clump together.

REDUCES STATIC

If over time you notice that they’re not doing this as well, put them in a sock or pantyhose and run them through a wash cycle.

How Many Do I Need?

Wool dryer balls work by separating clothes so that warm air circulates better. The more you have the more pronounced the effects – faster drying time, softer clothes, less static cling, and lower energy usage. Some people use just two, while others use up to twelve for large loads. I use six, but how many you use is really up to you.

How To Make Wool Dryer Balls

Makes 2-4 medium-sized dryer balls

EQUIPMENT

2 – 3 skeins of 100% wool yarn – I used roving yarn in dark gray, light gray and low tide because roving yarn felts really well. Make sure not to get “superwash” or washable yarn because it won’t felt.

Budget Tip: A local mama told me that she picked up a 100% wool sweater at a thrift store, cut and wadded it up, then wrapped it in wool yarn using the technique below. This approach can be a very affordable way to make a lot of wool dryer balls with just a little yarn.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Make a small “V” with your index and middle fingers, then wrap yarn around them 10- 15 times. Remove your fingers from the yarn.

Step 2: Pinch the middle of the coiled yarn and wrap the center 10-15 times.

Then change the direction you’re wrapping in and wrap some more. You should have something that more or less looks like a fuzzy lump of coal. (Unless you chose another color.)

Step 3: Continue wrapping until yarn forms a ball. Though it may seem more egg-shaped at first it will happen! Keep going until your dryer ball reaches the size you prefer. Mine a little bigger than tennis balls.

Step 4: When the ball is about the size you want, grab the loose end of yarn and weave it into the exterior of the ball using a paint key or felting needle. To do this, slide the key under a few threads, then take the tail and wrap it around the tip of the key a few times before pulling it through. Do that several times so that the tail is woven in well, then trim off any unused yarn. (See pictures below if that sounded confusing)

Step 5: Place dryer balls in pantyhose, making sure to tie a knot between each one so they have their own separate compartments, then toss them in the washing machine and run through a hot cycle two or three times, preferably with a load of towels or other laundry. Place them in the dryer and then remove from pantyhose. Voila, your dryer balls are ready!

Stain Removers – It’s pretty challenging to formulate a really clean stain remover. Fit Organic Laundry & Carpet Stain Remover has the best ingredients that I know of but is not great at getting tough stains out.

Better Life is more effective, but it contains a tiny amount (0.01%) of a preservative, which is associated with allergic reactions. Attitude Stain Remover‘s ingredient looks a lot less natural than the others, but it’s actually rated higher than Better Life’s by the EWG and works pretty well. The only downside is that you’re supposed to treat the stain immediately, not spray it and set it aside to wash later.

Mirrors, Tubs & Toilet Bowls

How To Make:

Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe

It’s easy, it works, and the most popular store-bought brand gets a D from the Environmental Working Group.

Homemade Scouring Powder Recipe

When when the Environmental Working Group analyzed one of the most popular scouring powders on the market, they found that it “emitted 146 different chemicals, including some that have been linked to cancer, asthma and reproductive disorders. The most toxic chemicals detected – formaldehyde, benzene, chloroform and toluene – are not listed on the label.” (CBS News)

Skip it and make your own instead with this quick and easy recipe – or buy the safer option below!

Add the lemon essential oil to the rubbing alcohol and stir with a fork. Pour into your spray bottle and then add the water.

To Use

Spray granite and wipe with a clean cloth.

What To Buy:

Eco-Me Granite And Marble Cleaner – Although this one is not specifically rated by the EWG, it contains two plant-derived soaps that are rated as an A, plus aloe vera, radish root ferment (which is antimicrobial), and a food-grade preservative.

A few other very handy cleaning tools!

Twist Scrub Sponges – These natural, compostable sponges are great! They work well and be run through the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

]]>https://pronoiainstitute.org/self-care/natural-eco-friendly-cleaners-how-to-make-and-what-to-buy/feed/0Food Color Cureshttps://pronoiainstitute.org/nutrition/food-color-cures-2/
https://pronoiainstitute.org/nutrition/food-color-cures-2/#respondTue, 02 Oct 2018 22:03:22 +0000https://pronoiainstitute.org/?p=4445Interestingly, a food’s color actually tells you exactly what it is used for in the body. Science is just beginning to notice and realize that often the components of plants that have the highest medicinal properties are the colors themselves. This is fascinating research, and Chinese medicine has taught us much about how the colors […]

]]>Interestingly, a food’s color actually tells you exactly what it is used for in the body. Science is just beginning to notice and realize that often the components of plants that have the highest medicinal properties are the colors themselves. This is fascinating research, and Chinese medicine has taught us much about how the colors of our foods cultivate health in specific areas of our bodies and the energetic components of each. The term for the color pigments in foods are appropriately termed “phytonutrients” (“fight”-o-nutrients) because it turns out that the colors in our food are what help us “fight off” disease and aging.

Armed with this information, we need to look beyond the typical nutrition label and begin considering the color and vibrancy of our food choices. As it turns out, our bodies actually have specific receptors to various food color pigments, and this is why it is critical we eat a wide variety of food colors every day. This video outlines some of this fascinating research:

Here is a breakdown of what various food colors do in the body and some of their energetic components along with a few examples of each:

]]>https://pronoiainstitute.org/nutrition/food-color-cures-2/feed/0Pronoia: Shedding A New Light on Health and Well-Beinghttps://pronoiainstitute.org/transformation/pronoia-shedding-a-new-light-on-health-and-well-being/
https://pronoiainstitute.org/transformation/pronoia-shedding-a-new-light-on-health-and-well-being/#respondTue, 02 Oct 2018 02:00:49 +0000https://pronoiainstitute.org/?p=4423In a world built on fear, domination, manipulation, conflict, and greed, embracing pronoia is a radical act. Pronoia is not about being against anything. It’s about standing for who you are and your deepest truth here in this moment. Pronoia is much more than a “concept” or “idea.” It is a personal mindset and way […]

In a world built on fear, domination, manipulation, conflict, and greed, embracing pronoia is a radical act. Pronoia is not about being against anything. It’s about standing for who you are and your deepest truth here in this moment. Pronoia is much more than a “concept” or “idea.” It is a personal mindset and way of life. It’s believing in every fiber of your being that you matter and every circumstance of life, blissful or challenging, is a new opportunity to receive a blessing.

Pronoia is not about looking at life through rose-colored glasses or believing that everything is sunshine and rainbows. On the contrary, it is seeing the truth of this moment for exactly what it is and intelligently acting with the care, grace, and love that is required.

As author Rob Brezsny says, “pronoia is the antidote for paranoia.” When we open ourselves to see the opportunity, the lesson, and the blessing in every situation of life, we automatically eliminate fear and embrace possibility.

No matter where you are or where you’ve been, Pronoia believes that you matter and you have a valuable purpose. We believe that you have an unlimited potential for well-being, and our mission is to support you as you walk your unique path to fullness, richness, balance, and meaning.

If what we stand for resonates with you, join with us in sharing the light of Pronoia!

]]>https://pronoiainstitute.org/transformation/pronoia-shedding-a-new-light-on-health-and-well-being/feed/0What are Biophotons and Their Health Benefitshttps://pronoiainstitute.org/nutrition/what-are-biophotons-and-their-health-benefits/
https://pronoiainstitute.org/nutrition/what-are-biophotons-and-their-health-benefits/#respondMon, 01 Oct 2018 16:24:53 +0000https://pronoiainstitute.org/?p=4417Biophotons Science History and Research Alexander Gurwitsch (1874-1954) was a Russian-Soviet biologist who was the first researcher to discover the biophoton and originated the “morphogenetic field theory.” Biophotons are ultra-weak light emissions that are emitted by all living organisms. This is a well-documented science, and benefits of biophoton and bioelectron science extend from raw food […]

Alexander Gurwitsch (1874-1954) was a Russian-Soviet biologist who was the first researcher to discover the biophoton and originated the “morphogenetic field theory.” Biophotons are ultra-weak light emissions that are emitted by all living organisms. This is a well-documented science, and benefits of biophoton and bioelectron science extend from raw food nutrition and yoga to meditative practices and multivariate ways to measure health and disease within the body (1-3). Gurwitsch spent much of his time studying plants, living embryos, and the intricate processes of cell division. In 1922, he described the morphogenetic field: “such a field is produced by the developing body itself, rather than appearing in an unknown way in the space surrounding the developing organism” (4). Other researchers, such as Pjotr Garjajev and Fritz-Albert Popp, further expanded on these discoveries and were able to measure communications from DNA molecules in the form of ultraviolet photons. Later scientific research has been able to better measure these biophotonic cellular emissions, and much of this research has expanded the understanding of biophotons and how they relate to the human organism and its environment. The morphogenetic field theory today has become a central way to explain how all organisms and matter are forms of energy, and they are all interconnected and interrelated on the atomic level. It also explains how information is communicated throughout your entire body.

This research is fundamental to understanding how the human body works on a sub-atomic level and how our diets and lifestyle choices can influence the energies emitted from each of our cells. According to Hamouda et al.:

It has been scientifically proven that every cell in the body emits more than 100,000 light impulses or photons per second. These biophotons which are not only emitted by humans but by all living things, and have been found to be the steering mechanism behind all biochemical reactions. A biophoton is always emitted before every biochemical reaction. Without the biophoton signal, there can be no chemical reaction; they are like a steering system for all the biochemistry that takes place in the body (3).

Our bodies must coordinate over one-hundred thousand biochemical reactions every second, and they must be carefully timed and sequenced together. If these reactions occur in an orderly fashion, the molecules and cells involved will emit photons to communicate with all of the cells throughout our bodies in an optimal and organized way. These communications could involve activating or deactivating metabolic enzymes, various portions of our DNA, or triggering cell division. Illness and disease occurs when these energetic transmissions operate out of sync with each other, triggering a downward cascade of reactions. Diseased or injured cells emit more photons than healthy cells (5).

On another related note, sunlight is the most abundant energy source available to our planet, and we have long believed that plant cell chloroplasts were the only cells capable of converting sunlight energy into fuel. However, it has been shown in research that mammals who consume chlorophyll-rich, green foods on a regular basis are actually able to generate more energy (ATP) in their cellular mitochondria through the absorption of sunlight through their skin (20). Now isn’t that amazing? The human body is actually able to generate certain amounts of energy from the sun if we have adequate amounts of chlorophyll bathing our cells. It is plausible that this additional energy production can increase lifespan and/or prevent/reverse tissue damage and disease (6). This research shows us that our cells and our bodies are not only emitting light energy, but under the right conditions, they are also absorbing it and utilizing it as energy.

This video explains how this process works in the body:

David Wolfe wrote in his book The Sunfood Diet and Success System, “Chlorophyll is the blood of plants, just as hemoglobin is the blood of the body. The difference between the two molecules is that chlorophyll is centered on magnesium, while hemoglobin is centered on iron. Eating green leafy food is a transfusion of sun energy to blood energy in the arteries” (p. 182) (7).

Light energy is critical to our health. What we eat, whether we spend time in the sun, what types of people and energy we surround ourselves with on a regular basis, and how we live our day-to-day lives dramatically influence how our cells function individually and collectively. Whole person health involves the deepest levels of energetic science and shows us how we can literally maximize the positive radiant energy emitted and received by our bodies.

Every living organism emits biophotons as energy, and every person requires intake of adequate biophotons to support health. Certain foods, especially raw fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, are able to store much higher levels of light energy. It is therefore thought that the more vibrant biophotonic energy consumed, the greater potential for cellular energetic resonance, vitality, and well-being. This is why it is important to consume a large portion of your daily calories from quality raw plant food sources.

]]>A supercharged nutritional lifestyle has three main aspects of radiant health empowerment, and each step builds on the next:

Step 1: Diet

The foundation for what we eat on a daily, meal-by-meal basis. Ideally, whole plant foods will comprise 90 percent or more of calories consumed every day. (Optimal: mostly plant based, “nutrient dense”, vibrant, colorful, fermented vegetables, utilizing various herbs and spices, etc.)

Step 2: Insurance Policy

Once diet is established, the next step is to fill in the nutritional gaps that are missing from our diets due to various uncontrollable factors (e.g. demineralization of the soil, factory farming, poor climate conditions, sub-optimal growing conditions, etc.). Even a varied and completely plant-based diet in today’s commercial farming and mass producing world will be deficient in some, if not many, critical nutrients needed for health. Many people take a multi-vitamin and/or multiple supplements every day as a way to fill in the gaps, but as research shows it is significantly better to get our nutrients from whole food sources as much as possible (1). Superfoods are specific foods that have higher levels of various essential nutrients compared to any other foods.

Some examples of superfoods include (2):

Raw cacao: one of the highest sources of antioxidants (although cooked/processed chocolate is devoid of most of its nutrients), highest source of many various minerals: zinc, iron, magnesium (only food known to reverse magnesium deficiency).

Hemp seeds: high in essential fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3, high protein source great for children, athletes, and to help with aging (33 percent digestible protein), high in other various minerals and vitamins.

Chia seeds: one of the highest and safest sources of ALA long chain omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory- critical for brain, nerve, and eye development), high in protein, high in fiber.

Maca: amazing adaptogenic food that has been a staple in Peruvian Andes diets for thousands of years. High source of quality protein (seven essential amino acids), high in fiber, increases libido, balances stress hormones, and increases strength and endurance.

Goji berries: revered in Chinese medicine for over five thousand years as one of the greatest strength giving foods. Contains eighteen amino acids (eight essential), high in antioxidants, contains high levels of up to twenty-one other essential trace minerals.

Algae-based DHA/EPA Oil: long chain omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and critical for brain, eye, nerve development. They are not typically found in our regular diet and must be supplemented. Animal-based marine sources (e.g. salmon, fish oil, krill, cod liver, etc.) are higher up on the food chain and are therefore often contaminated with heavy metals and pollutants, which is why choosing a vegan algae-based omega-3 supplement is best.

Step 3: Tonic Herbalism

Tonic herbalism is the last step and is centered around the top herbs available to us from around the world. Various healing traditions from around the world (e.g. Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Amazonian shamanistic medicine, etc.) have intuitively utilized specific herbs for their amazing capacity to heal and build radiant health.

As Ron Teeguarden outlines in his book, The Ancient Wisdom of Chinese Tonic Herbs, the greatness of Chinese tonic herbalism lies in its “adaptogenic” quality; that is, the ability to enhance the body-mind’s capacity to adapt optimally and accurately to changes in the environment. This adaptability allows us to lead a much richer, broader, more adventurous life. Another aspect of the greatness of tonic herbalism lies in its ability to harmonize the physical energies within the body and to harmonize the physical and psychic energies of a human being so as to increase optimum functioning (p. 14) (3).

The ideal plan is for you to research the various herbs from around the world for whatever attributes you find appealing (e.g. longevity, stress management, healthy hormones, libido, fertility, immune health, etc.) and pick the top one to two tonic herbs in those categories that resonate with you. A tonic herb is one that is gentle on the body but has the capacity to build up powerful positive benefits over time. Therefore, you need to take them on a daily basis in order for them to work. As Ron Teeguarden often says, the number one thing to remember with tonic herbalism is the word compliance. You have to take the herbs regularly in order for them to work for you.

Each of these three aspects of Supercharged Nutrition works synergistically and potentiates the effects of each other when in balance. Nevertheless, trying to achieve steps two or three without attending to step one likely will not achieve as many positive results. Diet is the foundation for what we eat, but in order to not just build good health but radiant health, it is important to devise a strategy for yourself that not only builds a solid foundation but also fills in all of the gaps.

]]>https://pronoiainstitute.org/self-empowerment/the-actual-benefit-of-diet-vs-drugs/feed/0Why Prevention Is Worth a Ton of Curehttps://pronoiainstitute.org/self-empowerment/why-prevention-is-worth-a-ton-of-cure/
https://pronoiainstitute.org/self-empowerment/why-prevention-is-worth-a-ton-of-cure/#respondSat, 29 Sep 2018 17:38:37 +0000https://pronoiainstitute.org/?p=4386More people might be open to changing their diet and lifestyle if they knew how little modern medicine has to offer for combating chronic diseases. References: T V Pereira, R I Horwitz, J P Ioannidis. Empirical evaluation of very large treatment effects of medical interventions. JAMA. 2012 Oct 24;308(16):1676-84. B Starfield. Is US health […]